By Basant El-Faramawy
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has formally intervened in Sky’s planned £1.6 billion acquisition of ITV’s media and entertainment division, citing public interest concerns over media plurality and free speech.
Regulators to investigate
Nandy issued a Public Interest Intervention Notice, tasking the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and Ofcom to examine the takeover. The regulators must report back by January 27 on the deal’s impact on media plurality and free speech in the UK.
Streaming legislation planned
The Culture Secretary also announced she will bring forward new streaming legislation to extend public interest considerations to on-demand programmes, aligning with modern viewing habits. She had previously indicated she was “minded to intervene” on public interest grounds.
Deal details
ITV agreed in July to sell its media and entertainment arm, including terrestrial TV channels and streaming service ITVX, to Sky. The sale excludes ITV Studios, which produces shows such as “I’m A Celebrity” and “Mr Bates Vs The Post Office.” Sky argues the merger will create a stronger British media business capable of competing with global streamers, with commitments to protect ITV’s identity and public service broadcasting obligations.
